Copper Haul Trail

The Copper Haul Trail is the “main line” of the Trans Canada Trail for the Whitehorse area.  It is a class two trail running north/south just west of urban Whitehorse.  The trail is designated “multi-use”, so users should expect to be sharing the trail with snowmobilers, skiiers, dog teams, hikers, bikers, horses, ATVs, and more. Surveys have suggested that nearly 90% of Whitehorse residents have used this multi use trail network in some way or another.

The Copper Haul Trail is routed through a copper belt which was actively mined from 1898 until 1982. Copper was first noted in the area in 1897 by prospectors on their way to the Klondike Gold Rush, and the first claim in the copper belt was staked in July 1898.  By 1907 nearly 4000 tons of copper had been mined from the area and sent to smelters down south.

Many famous Yukoners were involved with these early mines.  John McIntyre discovered the first high grade copper in the area in 1898, and now has McIntyre Creek, Mount McIntyre, and the McIntyre subdivision named in his honour.  William Granger came to the Yukon in 1899, and acquired a controlling interest in John McIntyre’s Copper King mine.  The Granger subdivision and the 6500′ Mount Granger are named after him.  Sam McGee, made famous by the Robert Service poems, was the original staker of the War Eagle Mine. Norman Macaulay was a well known tram operator and had the Macaulay Lodge retirement centre named after him.  H.E. Porter staked the largest mine, Pueblo, and now has Porter Creek and the Porter Creek subdivision named in his honour.

The Copper Haul Trail was originally constructed in 1909 as a spur line of the White Pass and Yukon Route railway to service these copper mines.  When this railway shut down, the railway bed was converted to a gravel road to provide continued access to the remaining mine sites. When the last copper mine shut down in the early 1980s the route was once again recycled, this time into a multi-use recreational trail. 

Today this trail is an official part of the Trans Canada Trail, and serves as the main line of trail connecting several multi-use trail networks around Whitehorse from Fish Lake Road in the north down past Wolf Creek and Mary Lake in the south.

Main access to the trail is via the staging areas on the Fish Lake road and Mt Sima road, as well as several connector trails that lead to various residential areas of Whitehorse.  Most of these trails are multi-use, however please be aware that some sections have been designated non-motorized only trails. 

Also, due to the area being a popular route for several winter sport groups, please note wheeled vehicles are not allowed on the Copper Haul Trail (and most other Whitehorse area trails) from November 1st through to March 31st of each year.  Please respect this rule (which is backed by the City of Whitehorse), as all it takes is one wheeled vehicle to wreck the snow base on this popular trail for weeks.

Every winter, K.S.A. volunteers spend countless hours grooming the Copper Haul Trail as well as many of the trails to and from it.  In addition, all of the signage, most of the staging area maintenance, and the general trail maintenance is done by our volunteers with occasional help from some generous local contractors.  The City of Whitehorse plows the staging areas, does the gates, and is now responsible for the maintenance of the bridges over Sima Creek and Wolf Creek.

For more information on supporting our volunteers or becoming a volunteer, please check out our Membership page.

Some Points of Interest along the Copper Haul Trail include:

• Staging area and trail head where the trail meets Fish Lake Road.  This staging area is vehicle accessible year round and there is lots of parking here for your trucks and trailers.  While you’re here pick up a K.S.A. membership form to fill out and mail in when you get home.
• Scenic viewpoint and information signs on McIntyre Marsh.  Located right beside the parking lot, this is a popular area for many species of birds, so bring your binoculars for year-round bird viewing opportunities.
• Plaque at the intersection of Fish Lake Road and the Copper Haul Trail commemorating the Pueblo Mine disaster of 1917. Look just across Fish Lake Road from the staging area.
• The Copper Haul provides direct access to the Haeckel Hill Trail, Mt McIntyre Trail, Coal Lake Trail, McLean Lake Trail, Crater Lake Trail, and others. This truly is the “main line” of recreational trail in Whitehorse.
• A variety of small lakes and wetlands can be seen along the trail.  Bring your fishing rod.
• There are some great outdoor rock climbing opportunities along the trail, and some local groups climb here regularly.
• Check out the old copper pits just east of the trail near the Mt. Sima Road, lots of history is visible in that area.
• Mt. Sima Ski Hill.  Don’t forget your K.S.A. Membership card for access to the Last Run Lounge.
• Staging area and picnic area at the Rodney Cox Memorial Bridge at the Sima Creek crossing. The Cox family have been active Klondike Snowmobile Association volunteers for many years and are also big supporters of the Trans Canada Trail.
• Picnic site overlooking the Peter Greenlaw Memorial Bridge at the Wolf Creek crossing.  Peter Greenlaw was the K.S.A. president for many years and was the driving force behind the Trans Canada Trail coming through the Yukon.
• A variety of birds and wildlife both big and small are often spotted along the Copper Haul Trail, so take your time and keep your eyes open!